Artist Statement

Art has always been inescapable for me. Writing poetry feels as necessary as breathing; translating emotion into image and story is a compulsive, lifelong instinct. As I’ve grown and my reality has shifted, the forms have shifted with me—from childhood stories to high school songs, and eventually to the films and photographs I created in college in pursuit of something larger than myself.

I work across writing, film, and photography as interconnected languages—each one a different way of recording interior life. My practice is rooted in observation, memory, and emotional transcription, often blurring the line between narrative and documentation. Whether through a script, a still image, or a moving frame, I am drawn to moments that feel unfinished, vulnerable, and quietly charged.

As someone who has never felt “queer enough” or “woman enough,” I feel compelled to represent a spectrum of existence rather than a singular identity. In a rapidly shifting social and political landscape, queer representation in art is essential. My work creates space for nonconformity and for the unspoken realities of female adolescence and early adulthood in American society. By foregrounding my own experiences with mental health, I aim to make others feel seen—embracing the messy, frightening, and deeply unaesthetic truths that often go unrecorded.

My work is an invitation to anyone who has lived on the margins, craving understanding and proof that they are not screaming into a void. However, I recognize that for stories to foster true belonging, they must navigate the complex intersection of creative vision and industry execution. In today’s media environment, I am dedicated to bridging the gap between raw, authentic expression and professional production. I am eager to apply my observational lens to the broader media landscape, moving beyond personal practice to learn how large-scale organizations cultivate community, resonance, and legacy through broadcast and digital storytelling.

- Lily